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Culling

Culling infected cows is a key strategy in mastitis control because it is the only way to eliminate some infections, as antibiotic DCT does not cure all existing infections.

Cure rates are lower for older cows, infections of long duration, and when the cow-associated bacteria, Staph. aureus, is present.

Since chronically infected cows represent a source of infection for other cows, culling will help to protect healthy, young cows that are the future of the herd. However, culling is an expensive option and cell count problems will only be solved if follow-up measures are taken to prevent new infections.